One of the biggest and most famous shopping complexes in the city is none other than the Kompleks Tun Abdul Razak, or fondly known as KOMTAR. This 65-story complex, located in the heart of Georgetown, offers some of the best shopping on the island. KOMTAR houses a labyrinth of boutiques, fast food outlets, restaurants, amusement arcades and shops as well as two of the biggest department stores. On the 58th floor is the Tower Tourist Center which allows visitors to have an excellent aerial view of the whole city as well as cultural shows performed daily. A duty free shop on the 57th floor offers good shopping, and the souvenir center is yet another place to get memorabilia of Penang.

Batik, the highly versatile fabric is available as individually designed pieces or as clothing, table-cloths, napkins and furnishings. These may be purchased at factories in Teluk Bahang and in souvenir shops at Batu Ferringhi; specialist shops in Penang Road and in most department stores and shopping complexes. Batik paintings can also be found in galleries in Jalan Penang, Lebuh Leith and Batu Ferringhi.

However, if you are searching for fine jewelry, then Lebuh Campbell and Lebuh Kapitan Keling are the places to go. Other shopping complexes include Island Plaza and Midlands One Stop Shopping Center.

Duty free shops within the city offer cameras, radios and tape-recorders, TV and Hi-Fi equipment, calculators, electrical appliances, pens, lighters, watches and cosmetics plus a host of other items at reasonable prices.

Penang is also a haven for antique lovers in search of rare bargains. The junk shops along Rope Walk (Jalan Pintal Tali) offer a range of antique items and bric-a-brac such as porcelain ware, chains, coins, old ceiling lamps and antique clocks.

Tips for Shoppers

• Bargaining is still very much a part of life here; so don't be afraid to haggle over prices or ask for a discount especially at the smaller shops.
• Ensure that you get a warranty card for cameras, watches and electrical goods.
• Obtain written confirmation of any instructions given to the store to post parcels abroad.
• Antiques
  The export of Malaysia's antiques is controlled by the Antiquities Act 1975. Under the Act, no one is allowed to export any antique without obtaining a license from the Director General of Museums, Malaysia. However, antiques which have been imported into the country and have been declared at Customs arrival checkpoint may be exported.
• Most shops are opened from 10 am to 9 pm.

Dinning & Restaurants
The endless variety of Penang food reflects the different cooking styles and tastes of its multi-racial population. There is a mouth-watering selection of Chinese, Malay, Indian and Nyonya cuisine to sample, not to mention the irresistible hawker fare from makeshift roadside stalls.

Not to be missed hawker favorites are "Asam Laksa", "Hokkien Mee", "Char Koay Teow", and "Pasembor". Nyonya Cuisine includes "Mee Siam", "Otak Otak", "Kerabu", "Enche Kabin" and "Curry Kapitan". The Nyonyas are also famous for their delicious cakes and desserts. Heading the list of Indian food is "Nasi Kandar" of Indian Muslim origin. South Indian favorites include "Tosai" and "Idiapom" served with thick "Dhall" curry. Northern Indian "Naan" bread with chicken "Tandoori" or chicken "Tikka" are also worth trying.

Chinese restaurants offer Cantonese, Szechuan, Hokkien, Teochew and Hainanese food represented by foods such as "Dim Sum", rice porridge, chicken rice, a variety of noodles and the pungent diced chicken with dried chilies.

Malay food typified by dishes such as "Sambal tumis", "Masak lemak", and "Sambal belacan" are easily available. Another hot favorite is of course the "Satay".

Entertainment & Nightlife
Penang offers a large number of night haunts and watering holes. These include pubs, lounges, karaoke lounges, hotel lobby bars and discotheques. There is something to entertain each and everyone here.

In the city itself, visitors can find a number of good spots to lighten up, have a drink and chitchat with friends while being entertained with performances by live bands. As most of the hotels are situated along the Ferringhi belt, that's where you will find most of the night spots, especially discotheques and pubs. Or catch a cultural performance at the Eden Seafood Village or at the Istana Malay Restaurant at the Pinang Cultural Center.

Getting Around
Penang's public transport system is efficient and moving around by taxis, buses or trishaws may be a fun and inexpensive way of catching sights.

Taxis - Taxis are abundant, but be warned they do not use meters, so you must either insist on the meter being turn on or agree on the price before you move off. Most trips within the city cost between RM3 and RM6. If you're staying out at the Batu Ferringhi Beach Resort area, expect taxis to town to run RM20 (US$5.25); RM30 (US$7.90) at night. The drive is about 15 or 20 minutes, but can take 30 during rush hour.

Buses - Penang is also served by many buses which ply various routes between the city and other destinations on the island. Most of buses use coin machine to collect fares. The main bus terminals are Pengkalan Weld (ferry terminal) and KOMTAR (ground floor).

Trishaws - A trishaw ride is one of the best ways of seeing Penang. Besides the novelty of traveling in this open-fronted three-wheeled vehicle, trishaws allow visitors the opportunity of doing the sights at a more leisurely pace stopping at any point to snap pictures or buy souvenirs. There is no standard fare and it would be wise to agree on the price before you step on the trishaw. For extended sightseeing, it is advisable to hire them by the hour.

Car rental - If you wish to venture further a field at your own leisure, it might be a good idea to drive around yourself. Most major international and local car rental companies offer a good choice of vehicles and packages. So, arm yourself with a valid international driving license and a reliable road map and set forth for the adventure of your life. Remember that traffic travels on the left side of the road and that the speed limit varies on all roads.

Motorbike/Bicycle rental - Motorcycles and bicycles also offer inexpensive and fun ways of exploring the island. Stores along the hotel stretch of Batu Ferringhi and in the city offer them for hire.

Tour/Cruises - For those who wish to cover a bit of everything on limited time, there are many fascinating tours by air-conditioned coaches to famous landmarks around the island. Check with your hotel reception/tour desk for details on times and prices.